applying chemicals are some of the technologies that are enabling farmers to micro-manage crops in order to cut labor costs and inputs, increase yields, and increase profits. “For centuries, farming was an intuitive process. Today it’s networked, analytical, and data-driven, says writer Taylor Dobbs. The iPhone-Driven Farm: Cheap, networked technology is transforming our crops. Popular Science, October 25, 2015.

Career thoughts: interested in robotics and software development? Care about the state of the earth and food production?

Surplus Food Recovery Innovation – What happens to excess produce the grocery store or cafeteria can’t sell? The trash bin. Now that entrepreneur Evan Lutz has successfully connected surplus food with consumers who want to buy it, his organization Hungry Harvest has recovered 300,000 pound of food and donated 100,000 to people in need, hired homeless people to sort the food, and independent contractors to deliver it. Symbiosis. Lutz’s goal is to “be the largest direct-to-home produce-delivery service on the East Coast in five years and the largest in the United States in 10 years.” After ‘Shark Tank,’ can produce seller get buyers to bite?” The Washington Post, Taking Stock, January 17. 2016

Career thoughts: Want to help disenfranchised people? Feeling entrepreneurial? What to help save the planet? Try getting involved in food recovery as an organizer, nutritionist or educator.